Tag Archives: millennial

In a day and age where we are all plugged in all the time it is hard to imagine time without any technology. But here friends, I challenge you to do something that is liberating and eye opening.

Go without technology of any kind for 48 hours straight.

No computer. No phone. No TV. No radio. And don’t go to the countryside to do this. Do it right in your normal hub. No excuses.

I did this as a part of a class requirement back in my introductory Telecommunications classes at my University. It was meant to show how much technology is ingrained into modern culture and daily life. My other professors were informed that during a 2 week period I would go technologically dark. My friends would leave sticky notes on my door to let me know of plans or if they were stopping by and just missed me.

For a millennial these are strange concepts, but for those who are older and remember these times this may be a nice practice to get back to the simplicity of life without WiFi. You older generations are no better than we are. Don’t play the shocked victim, you are all just as guilty. So give it a try.

Tell your co-workers, friends and loved ones you are doing this beforehand so people don’t panic when you do decide to do this.

Is there a TV in your normal bar/coffee shop? Sit with your back to it or consciously be aware of its presence as you avert your eyes to people in front of you. Engage others. Tell them what you are doing, it’s a great conversation starter. Start reading that book you always wanted to start but never had time for.

Make a journal of your experiences, stress, and observations of others. People watch. What habits have others developed because of this technology addiction? Call your friends out for paying more attention to their phone than to you when you are hanging out.

Challenge yourself and challenge others.

I will say that the first 24 hours are incredibly difficult. But stay strong. You can make it and honestly you may want to try it again sometime (But maybe for not as long).

Have fun. Do things you don’t normally do but think about. Sit at a coffee shop, go on a walk, play with puppies at the pet store, whatever!